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Manufacturers from across the state came together yesterday for the 2018 Made in Minnesota Manufacturing Awards. Minnesota Business Magazine hosts this annual event to recognize the outstanding achievements and the economic contributions of this important industry.

It’s funny how we all have the same number of hours in a day, but some people just seem to get more done. The most productive people have established patterns to maximize their time. Here are six habits they do every day to be successful!

As the weather gets colder and the leaves start to turn, it’s not just fall that’s on the horizon. It’s also time to start thinking about your staffing needs for the upcoming year. Here are five steps I recommend when developing a strategic – and successful! – staffing plan for 2019.

Many of us spend more waking hours at work than at home – and so it makes perfect sense that we should work somewhere that we actually WANT to be, right? I recently asked my team: what makes a company a great place to work? Check out a few of their answers – and then join the conversation!

When I assumed my new position in talent engagement and culture, I began the process of researching the tactics and programs that have worked for other companies. Knowing I was responsible for driving engagement and culture among our internal and external employees, I wanted something that could make an immediate impact. Thankfully, I found a video clip about the Crush It program.

Today’s workplace is ever evolving, and though most companies usually offer training to help you expand your skills and stay relevant in your industry, there may be professional growth opportunities you’re overlooking at your current employer. Here are just a few areas of professional development you can start taking advantage of today.

Work-life balance sounds good in theory, but it can be so difficult to achieve. It’s something I’ve strived to achieve for most of my career. I had the pleasure of speaking on this topic back in June at Engage, a staffing and recruiting conference. Here’s part of what I shared at the conference!

What does workplace culture really mean? Why is it important? How can employers build a better culture? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this infographic!

Most workplaces offer some form of employee training. Training formats can range from getting hands-on experience to reading user manuals to watching online videos. It’s so important to take different learning styles into consideration when developing a training program.

You can’t control everything in your job search. Try as you might, there will always be other forces influencing whether or not you get the role. In an effort to help, we’ve broken down those things you can’t control and how to respond so you don’t get discouraged in your search.

Employee training programs are an important part of both individual and organizational development. When you invest in staff, you’re also making a huge investment in your business. If you’re looking to give your training programs a boost, take a cue from these companies with great training programs.

One of the biggest mistakes businesses can make when developing a training program is waiting for perfection. Perfection has no business in, well, business, and in many instances, it can actually get in the way of business productivity. Learn more and read our top 7 employee training tips!

New grads can be a great resource for companies of any size or industry. They’re full of energy and new ideas, and they’re excited for their first real world job. As you prepare to recruit and hire new grads, keep these tips in mind!

It’s time to get social! Almost all of us on are on social media on a regular basis. Why not use it to land your next job? There are a number of things you can be doing to build a network and get job leads. I recently asked my team to share their social media expertise. Check out their advice, and then join the conversation on our Facebook page with your top tips!

There comes a time in every employee’s life when he or she will come face-to-face with the CEO — and we’re talking alone. It could be in the elevator, in the break room, or in line for that midday Venti at Starbucks. Wherever it happens, you only have a few seconds to decide whether to […]

If you plan on going social with your job search, you must position yourself to not only stand out but make an impression that really counts. And here are the best ways to start!

There are so many ways to use social media to attract new talent. To effectively build, grow, and nurture your network, consider these 8 tips.

Starting a new job is stressful. It’s almost like being the new kid in school! It’s also an exciting time for both the employee and the employer, and so it should be a positive experience. A warm welcome can boost job satisfaction, productivity, and retention – a win-win! I recently asked my team to share their strategies for welcoming new employees. Take a read! And then leave a comment on our Facebook page letting us know how YOU think employers should welcome new employees to the team!

In our always-on-at-all-costs corporate culture, we often find it difficult to justify taking a few minutes of time for ourselves, let alone a whole lunch hour during the day. But this style of working isn’t just hard to maintain; it can actually be a detriment to our careers. Taking periodic breaks helps maximize productivity and is critical to your mental, physical, and emotional health.

Creating relationships at work is important. It helps develop your career, build trust, and work more effectively. And, it’s a heck of a lot more fun! Building relationships in the workplace is often easier said than done. There are a number of ways to build strong, worthwhile relationships with the people you work with, and here are six!

Some of the toughest decisions are people decisions – made even tougher by the costs associated with a bad hire. But some of these aren’t actually “bad hires” – rather it’s due to the onboarding process, or lack thereof. There’s an art to the process, and the following steps can help!

Getting the job is just the beginning of your journey. You’ve now got to set yourself up for success, and your first few months in this new role will often be the litmus test. How do you ensure a successful start from day one? Find out!

Did you know that 10,000 Baby Boomers retire every single day? 10,000! To help employers prepare for impending workforce changes, we created this whitepaper.

Our company reviews over half a million resumes each year, so it’s safe to say we’ve seen our fair share of good resumes, bad resumes, and resumes that fall squarely in between. While the bad resumes tend to be that way for various reasons, the good ones almost always have a few things in common. […]

Six seconds. That’s not a lot of time to catch a reader’s attention, but that’s all you’ve got when it comes to a recruiter reviewing a resume. I thought it was time to share what really can make a resume stand out.  Here are the eight secrets to writing an attention-grabbing, job-landing resume!

A thriving culture will attract the best talent, increase retention, and improve performance. Here are five SEEDS you can plant within your organization to create a great work environment!

Whether you’re looking for new ways to think about business, insights into better managing your career, or inspirational stories that change the way you look at life, our staff has shared some of their favorite motivational, leadership, and business books to put on your reading list. Here are some of our recommended reads!

“Oh, we know what we’re looking for.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard that phrase. Sure, you have an idea of who you want to hire, but this isn’t always the best way to approach the hiring process. Here are nine best practices to improve and expedite your hiring process.

If you’ve been worried about employee engagement lately, you’re in good company. Seventy-eight percent of business leaders say engagement is an urgent priority. But when companies sit down to discuss engagement, all they can think about is the expense. However, you don’t need to blow your budget to improve employee engagement. Just consider the following 12 strategies!

Turnover is almost becoming an epidemic, with the number of people quitting their jobs reaching an all-time high in 16 years. Part of the problem is lack of career opportunities. If you’re able to identify your top performers, and then take action immediately, you may just catch them before they head out the door. Here are the three things to look for when choosing a team member to promote from within.

When problems arise, we let panic set in and allow our basic instinct to take over. It’s fight or flight, which often leaves us defensive or defeated — neither of which are the best way to bring something to management. Before barging into your manager’s office or sending off a convoluted email, we suggest you do the following.

Ask almost anyone about happiness in the workplace, and they’ll likely tell you it’s tied to money, management, or that professional nemesis every office seems to have. But they’d be wrong. Happiness has nothing to do with the job itself — nor does it have anything to do with a boss or a colleague. It has everything to do with you. How you go about tapping into your happiness is entirely up to you, but what we’ve found that works best is the following.

Just because someone is a good employee, it doesn’t make him or her an engaged one. Engaged workers are those people who actually buy into your goals and objectives. They’re committed to not just their job but your company, and will do almost anything to help you achieve success. But that’s not all. Engaged workers also provide these six benefits.

A special thank you message from CEO Geno Cutolo to our valued employees and Talent on Employee Appreciation Day. Thank you for all that you do!

It’s a situation every manager dreads. You have to tell each of your team members that there’ll be no salary increases for the foreseeable future. Far from an enviable position, but one that does come with a silver lining. Money isn’t the only perk that motivates staff. So, the question remains: when you can’t offer people an annual raise, what’s a good alternative? Here are nine ideas.

Many people who deserve a raise are also the least likely to ask for one. In fact, go to any company and you’ll find at least one workhorse who completely underestimates his or her own worth. While discussing pay can be downright frightening, it shouldn’t keep you from asking for a salary increase. Try these nine negotiation strategies to make the discussion that much easier.

If you’re feeling a bit burnt out and need to recharge, there are plenty of ways to do this from the comfort of your own home, or even the office. Don’t worry about packing a bag; the following can help you reinvigorate your mind and body.

Ask any business where salary ranks in importance for attracting and retaining talent, and you’ll likely get a range of responses. Whatever your opinion, it’s still essential to know whether you’re offering a competitive salary. Employees talk to employees at other companies, and they certainly can do the necessary research to determine if you’re paying them what they’re worth. To ensure you’re setting compensation at a competitive level, we recommend you do the following before posting your next job opening.

We all know mentorship is important. It’s one of the most effective ways of developing – and retaining – new talent within an organization. If someone has recently asked you to become a mentor, or you’re currently working with a mentee, here are steps that will help ensure you’re both getting the most out of the relationship.

Unfortunately, many people aren’t sure exactly how to go about finding a mentor — and an ideal one, at that. They start there searching thinking they need a seasoned professional who’s been in the business for years. While this is often the case, your choice in mentor isn’t about age so much as who will best suit your needs — and suit your needs at that particular time. So, we suggest you consider the following when looking for someone to help you grow your career.

Many job seekers overlook a potentially useful job search option: recruiters. They genuinely want the best for you, as a candidate. They also want the best for their client, your potential employer — which is why it’s smart to cultivate a relationship with a “search partner” that can help you with your hunt. But before you do, we thought we’d clear up some of the most commonly asked questions about recruiting.

With record low unemployment rates and multiple options for employment, the war for talent continues to intensify. To remain competitive, successful employers are embracing the following seven trends.

As we welcome in the New Year, the time couldn’t be better for employers to set some resolutions around retention and recruitment. After all, employees are busy making a few of their own, and one resolution in particular could have quite an impact on business. Sixty-two percent of workers made plans last year to change their professional lives. You have an opportunity to make sure your best employees don’t follow through on these resolutions by resolving to set your own.

According to a recent report on current job trends, more than 6 million positions are still waiting to be filled. If you’re among the 62 percent of people who are planning to make a professional change this New Year, you may be wondering how to make it happen. The following tips are often a good place to start!

Check out our (short but sweet) 2017 highlight reel. 2017 was a busy year!

Volunteering helps non-profit organizations deliver their mission to improve the community. In turn, it helps you feel useful and productive, thus improving your confidence and self-worth. Making a difference in the lives of others is rewarding and life-changing.

Over the last decade or so, the business community has seen quite the surge in corporate-giving initiatives. After all, corporate social responsibility (CSR) naturally improves a company’s image. If you’re not a big corporation, which often has an entire team focused on CSR initiatives, you may be wondering what you can do to help others. Finding ways to give back can take a lot of creativity, but the following may help produce some ideas for your company.

Creating a workplace philanthropy program is one of the best ways to improve a company’s reputation in the community. But workplace philanthropy, and the reputation that comes with it, also does a lot for a company’s ability to both recruit and retain talent. Learn how your organization can create philanthropic initiatives that benefit both the business and the community-at-large.

Whether giving a gift to a coworker-turned-friend or participating in an office gift exchange, you’re probably left wondering what to buy. After all, holiday gift-giving in the workplace can feel like a minefield — especially for those new to the job. If gift exchanges are allowed in your organization, these eight tips are often a good place to start.

Deciding what to give employees is often the hardest part of the holidays — second only to how much you should spend. While giving gifts to your team isn’t mandatory, nor is it allowed in all organizations, you probably want to show them just how much you care. Here are some ideas on how to get gift-giving right this time of year.

About this time of year, a bevy of articles hit the web giving advice on how to best navigate the office holiday party — a party often filled with its fair share of faux pas. But instead of just focusing on this often-awkward celebration, and how to avoid being “that guy” at the bash, we thought it might be best to provide a guide on how to handle yourself at any business event.

Being kind doesn’t cost a thing. In fact, investing in some kindness can provide you quite the return. Research shows that altruism can actually make you happier. It’s also been known to make you feel stronger, calmer, and more energized. Talk about getting a jump on the day. Besides, engagement in the workplace, which comes […]

Business etiquette tells us gift giving in the office traditionally comes from a boss to an employee. You should never feel obligated to purchase a gift for a superior. Besides, appearances being what they are, even the most innocent of gifts could seem to colleagues as an attempt to “buy” your way into someone’s good […]

Manufacturers from across the state of Minnesota gathered yesterday evening at the 2017 Minnesota Manufacturing Awards. Minnesota Business Magazine hosts this event each year to recognize the outstanding achievements of this vital, though often behind-the-scenes industry and its leaders. Pro Staff and Ware Technology Services, Atterro sister companies, were proud to sponsor this event for the fourth […]

This week marks 35 years in business for Atterro, Ware Technology Services’ parent company. Our founder, Jeff Dobbs, started this company in 1982 with nothing but core values; integrity, hard work, professionalism, world class service, community involvement, and fun are just a few of those values that still guide our company today. Thank you to […]

Dear Valued Talent, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude for the outstanding work you do every day. Talented employees like you create the success of each of the companies we serve across multiple industries and drive positive results for all of us. On behalf of the entire Atterro organization and […]

Staffing Employee Week – September 18-24 – is the perfect time to acknowledge the contributions contingent workers make to your organization. We all want to feel that we matter. This need is just as real for temporary employees as it is for traditional employees. Here are a couple ways to show your appreciation for their […]

Happy 2017! We hope you had a happy holiday season. We’re excited for what the coming year has in store! Before we get too far into the new year, we want to take a moment to reflect on 2016. After reviewing many of the memories captured in photos, we decided to put a video together […]

Find out how we’re celebrating manufacturing in Minnesota this month and get a few ideas for how you can join us!

Contract labor has become increasingly popular, yet it also presents a number of challenges. Joshua Smith, VP of Business Development with Atterro, Ware Technology Service’s parent company, recently wrote an article for Staffing Industry Analysts with contingent workforce management solutions.

If you are looking to improve your cross-training program, check out this article published in PKWY Magazine with 6 quick tips.

Now that we’re in the second half of 2016, it’s a good time to get a pulse on hiring for the remainder of the year. Check out the key findings from CareerBuilder’s Midyear Forecast.

The kids are out of school, the weather is warming up, and the beaches are calling. Employees will also soon be taking time off. Are you ready?

It’s graduation season! If you’ve been thinking about hiring a new grad, check out this article published in The Staffing Stream with 3 mistakes to avoid.

The traditional workforce is changing. Today’s average mix of contingent workers has grown to 18%. Discover how businesses are adapting to this trend.

There are many ways to communicate at work. Before you shoot off an email, text, or instant message, make sure you’re using technology appropriately.

Being yourself at work while staying professional can be challenging. Use these tips to help overcome this obstacle.

Motivation is like a cup of coffee. It starts hot, but it can cool off unless you keep freshening it. Check out our tips for staying motivated at work.

Seasonal staffing can be challenging, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. Here are a few of our top tips when it comes to hiring seasonal short-term help.

It’s an employee’s job market and many professionals are looking for work. To master job hunting and land your next job, follow these proven strategies!

Your next job likely won’t come from a job board, rather through your professional network. How do you build a network? Check out our 8 networking secrets!

You did it! The hiring manager chose you as a top candidate for the job. Now it’s time to stand out during the interview.

Learning how to leverage social media in your job search can be tricky, but we’ve got some useful tips to help navigate the employment field.

When applying for jobs, you can be sure that other applicants are using everything in their arsenals to land the job – and you need to do the same. Here’s how!

The work to find a job begins long before you send your resume to a potential employer. Here are a few first steps every job seeker should take.

If you’re looking to increase your LinkedIn presence, learn how to take full advantage of LinkedIn and this social platform to find success.

Asking good questions during an interview will show that you’re interested and prepared. What qualifies as a “good question?” Here are a few ideas!

A staffing agency provides access to top talent and makes the hiring process more efficient. Here are 5 steps you can take to maximize the benefits.

If you’re looking for the next rung on the “career ladder” and want to get noticed by management, here are some things to keep in mind.

Use these 9 tips to help you start 2016 out right and to stay healthy in the new year.

Starting a new job brings a mix of emotions from excitement to anxiety. Follow these tips to make a great impression on your first day.

Employee wellness programs are not just nice to have, they are proven to improve productivity and increase morale. Here are a few ideas for your workplace.

In order to nail an interview, you need to strategize and practice. Follow these 5 tips to ensure you are confident and well prepared!

If you want to be recognized as top employer, it’s imperative to embrace ongoing professional development. Read our 10 doable ideas!

Are you ready to talk money? And possibly even negotiate salary? Use these strategies to help you get the pay you want and deserve.

Networking is important, but it can be intimidating. If you struggle with starting a conversation, consider these 15 icebreakers.

Finding an outstanding employee requires looking beyond skills, education, and experience. Discover ideal traits and how to identify them.

You may be wondering if contract work has a place on your resume. It does! Learn three tips for listing temp work on your resume.

There’s a good chance that employers will check out your digital footprint before offering a job. Use these tips to clean up your social media accounts.

Tasked with reviewing a stack of resumes and feeling overwhelmed? Use this resume checklist as a guide to make the process painless.

To attract and retain the right people, employers are encouraged to create a meaningful work culture. Learn how to hire to protect and enhance this culture.

Networking events are a great way to advance your career, but they can be awkward. Follow these tips to become a natural networker.

You don’t need to be William Shakespeare to compose a solid resume. You do, however, need to follow this resume rule.

For the next few months, we will be profiling leaders of all levels at Atterro. We hope these insights allow you to better get to know our leadership team, and use their advice and tips in your searches for talent or a job.

When seasonal demands require increasing your workforce, consider these hiring tips to ensure that you have a dependable short-term workforce.

A recruiter provides a number of benefits for job seekers. Wondering what you’re missing? Check out our top 10 reasons to work with a recruiter.

Shannon Sanderson, senior creative recruiter, was recently featured in a documentary about the recruiting profession. Get the highlights and watch the film.

Learn why soft skills matter – often, even more so than technical skills – and which soft skills most employers look for in an employee.

One of our senior recruiters was recently featured in a documentary about the recruiting profession! Learn about the film and watch a snippet.

For the next few months, we will be profiling leaders of all levels at Atterro. We hope these insights allow you to better get to know our leadership team, and use their advice and tips in your searches for talent or a job.

Learn simple ways to optimize your LinkedIn profile so that your “online resume” is professional and gets noticed by hiring managers.

Don’t job hunt alone! Learn how to work with a recruiter to get expert advice and access to jobs you would miss on your own.

Learn about the three types of employment – contract , contract-to-hire, and direct hire – to better determine which type is best for you.

Discover why you shouldn’t underestimate the opportunities that manufacturing has to offer – and learn about the upcoming Minnesota Tour of Manufacturing.

When preparing for an interview, it’s important to learn more about the company, what questions to ask, and if they are a good match for you. Here’s how!

Today’s workforce includes multiple generations – each with their own work styles and values. Learn how to effectively motivate a multi-generational team.

Feeling “blah” about your job? These seven tips will help you breathe new life into your job and achieve greater job satisfaction.

Get more done in less time with these 10 time management tips based on Benjamin Franklin’s proven principles.

Learn when and how to go about small business outsourcing to grow your business and strengthen your position in the market.

Avoid feeling rundown and zoned out by implementing these five health tips while on the job – they’ll help you handle stress and perform at your peak!

To help you feel satisfied on the job and at home, read these seven common work-life balance challenges and how you can overcome.

Volunteering helps non-profit organizations improve the community. It’s also rewarding – and can boost your career and job search. Here are 6 ways!

Follow these employee onboarding best practices to ensure that new hires have everything they need to be successful.

Build relationships, introduce people and don’t forget to NETWORK.